The ABA Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference

JAMS is a proud sponsor of the ABA's 20th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference.

Join the American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law for its Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, October 4–7, 2026, in Washington, D.C.The Section’s signature event features in-depth programs on current developments and key issues across labor and employment law, providing attendees with practical perspectives on litigation, mediation, and dispute resolution.

As part of the conference, JAMS neutrals Hon. Bernice B. Donald (Ret.) and Hon. Natasha L. Abel (Ret.) will participate in programs examining jury selection and the mediation of employment disputes. Judge Donald’s session will feature a live mock voir dire, exploring how advocates uncover bias, build rapport, and select a jury. Judge Abel’s panel will address the mediation process, from choosing a mediator and preparing clients to navigating negotiations and finalizing settlement agreements.
 

Featured JAMS Attendees and Speakers: Hon. Bernice B. Donald (Ret.), Hon. Natasha L. Abel (Ret.), Hon. John M. Mott (Ret.), and Linda R. Singer, Esq.

Featured Panels:
Selecting the Decision Makers: Advanced Voir Dire and Jury Selection
Thursday, November 5 | 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
In Part 2 of the mock trial series, trial lawyers will conduct a live mock voir dire while judges offer real-time perspectives on juror attitudes, challenges for cause, and the strategic use of peremptory strikes. Attendees will explore approaches to uncovering bias, building rapport and assembling a jury positioned to hear their case.
Panelists:

• Hon. Bernice B. Donald (Ret.), JAMS
• Megan O’Malley, O’Malley & Madden, P.C.
• Marla Presley, Cozen O’Connor

Best Practices for Mediating Employment Disputes 
Thursday, November 5 | 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Using a series of hypotheticals, this panel will explore how counsel and mediators can make the most of mediation in employment disputes. Topics will include timing, mediator selection and preparation, along with strategies for setting a constructive tone, managing expectations, exchanging opening offers, using bracketing and mediator’s proposals, and addressing challenges when finalizing settlement agreements.
Panelists:

• Hon. Natasha L. Abel (Ret.), JAMS
• Hon. J. Mark Coulson, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
• Mark Hanna, Murphy Anderson PLLC
• Emily Litzinger, Fisher & Phillips LLP
• Nefertari “Nef” Rigsby, Kaplan North America